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HOPE NOW Boasts 1 Million Mortgage Loan Modifications in 2008, Promises More in 2009

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 31, 2008

Nearly 3 million homeowners will enjoy Christmas in their own homes this year because of the cooperation and programs of the HOPE NOW program. HOPE NOW closes out 2008 with nearly 1 million in loan modifications. This alliance created an unprecedented effort by private mortgage servicers, counselors, and investors to stem the rising tide of foreclosures.

Government-Insured FHA Mortgages Rising in Popularity

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | December 31, 2008

Although they fell from favor (and nearly off the radar) during the last real estate run-up, FHA and VA mortgage products are now grabbing powerful market share. Government-backed loans currently account for about a third of all mortgage applications in the U.S.

Mortgage Rates Head Lower

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 31, 2008

Mortgage rates are again trending lower on a very short trading day.

Mortgage Rates Stay Low Through Holiday

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 30, 2008

Mortgage rates stay low, but volatile with an upward trend.

Spooked by the Market? Keep Thinking Long Term!

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | December 30, 2008

It's okay to be scared. Don't let fear ruin your portfolio, though. Investors who let emotions rule their trades rarely keep a long-term focus. Despite their good intentions, they forget about investing in great businesses and reaping the benefits of their growth over the years. Instead, the stock market becomes a high-stakes poker table.

Home Improvement taking a Hit from Financial Crisis

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | December 30, 2008

The tables have turned in the home improvement world. During the red-hot housing market, finding a contractor who would perform simple home improvement jobs was nearly impossible. As the market has iced over, renovation specialists are finding that the shoe is definitely on the other foot.

Payday Lenders making a Comeback

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | December 29, 2008

In the aftermath of the subprime lending crisis, it seems logical that high-risk loans would be scorned by the financial community. An increase in payday lending, however, proves that this is not the case. It's also an indication that the check cashing business is here to stay.

End of Year Tax Planning, What to Do with that Bonus?

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 29, 2008

December brings holiday cheer and the end of the 2008 tax year. Not exactly "visions of sugar plums dancing," but certainly in the dreams of most adults as 2008 comes to a merciful close. How can you position yourself this month to maximize your 2008 tax savings?

Is there a New Housing Boom in California?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 28, 2008

Housing sales in California picked up in October, prompting some to wonder if a recovery might be in the making.

Seven Ways to Improve Your Credit

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | December 27, 2008

This holiday season, give yourself the gift of improved credit. Use these seven simple steps to improve your credit and your score. A better score gives you access to cheaper credit-a true luxury in this tight economy.

Modified Mortgage Refinances Continue to Re-default

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 26, 2008

US bank regulators continue to report escalating re-default rates on mortgage loan modifications. Data being assembled by bank regulators is showing a steady trend of rising month-over-month loan work-outs falling back into delinquency within six months.

FDIC-Backed Debt Selling like Hot Cakes

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 26, 2008

Finally, the feds may have made a strong move to start thawing the credit markets. The FDIC's TLGP is giving financial institutions the power to raise cash by issuing low-risk debt securities.

Making the Move: Fed Attacking High Mortgage Rates

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | December 25, 2008

The Federal Reserve and Treasury, faced with growing challenges and public outcry related to urgently needed bailout plans, are now attacking high mortgage rates. By doing so, they hope to help thaw credit markets, revive the dying real estate sector, and boost the overall economy.

Loan Modifications may only be a Bandage for Foreclosures

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | December 24, 2008

Many critics-especially those who stand to lose money when mortgage restructuring occurs-say that loan modifications may only be delaying inevitable foreclosures. They argue that loan modification can mask problems temporarily, but can't make those troubles go away.

Protect your Finances from becoming another Recession Victim

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 24, 2008

The first lesson of personal finance is to budget your income and spend wisely. The second lesson is to get even more conservative about your spending when recession is knocking at the door.

Stop the Lending--Mortgages Grinding to Halt in 2009

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | December 23, 2008

Those who think that the credit crisis put the brakes on mortgage lending this year may be surprised to see mortgage levels deteriorate even more in 2009. Many experts expect to see the pace of both commercial and residential mortgage loan activity grow even more sluggish next year.

Pre-holiday Mortgage Reporting Unlikely to Bring Cheer

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 23, 2008

Today brings the release of existing home sales, new home sales, and housing price data. All mortgage news that is not expected to excite investors or economist about recovery in 2009. However, Wednesday's Mortgage Bankers Association's mortgage applications data is likely to be a ray of hope with mortgage rates trending downward.

Key to Economic Recovery: Job Creation

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 23, 2008

President-elect Obama says he has his team working on a bold plan to create 2.5 million jobs by January 2011.

Mortgage Rates Continue to Improve

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 22, 2008

Mortgage rates are still improving from the confidence boost issued by Fed Chairman Bernanke last Tuesday.

Subprime Mortgage Wolves Return in Sheep's Clothing

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 22, 2008

Former subprime masterminds are back in action, but now they're targeting FHA loans.

All Fall Down: What if Fed Rates go to Zero?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | December 22, 2008

If the Federal Reserve keeps cutting rates until they hit zero, it might stimulate the economy by boosting the housing market. On the other hand, dropping Fed rates to zero also may put us into an even more precarious situation by driving down the prices of goods and the value of the dollar, inviting ugly economic deflation.

Mortgage Refinance Applications Surge on Falling Mortgage Rates

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 22, 2008

Mortgage brokers and loan officers are reeling from a surge of mortgage applications that have challenged their dwindled numbers. Fighting nearly a two year battle just to survive mortgage companies and banks are scrambling to handle the work load. A very nice Christmas present for mortgage bankers as mortgage refinance applications jumped 6.5 percent over the previous week.

Foreclosure Fraud on the Rise

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 21, 2008

Data provided by RealtyTrac indicates that third quarter 2008 foreclosure filings numbered roughly 765,000. This spells gold for conmen who are willing to pounce on tragedy.

Obama to HUD: Be Part of the Mortgage Crisis Solution

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 21, 2008

President-elect Obama would like to see a strong HUD leading the country out of the housing crisis. But is that realistic?

Want Higher CD Rates? Try Troubled Banks!

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 20, 2008

Cash investors can put their money in U.S. Treasuries or passbook savings accounts to earn less than 1 percent annually. Another alternative is to open a CD with a cash-poor bank, and log returns in excess of 3.5 percent.

Learning to Live with the Bear Market

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | December 20, 2008

This current bear is rewriting the rules of investing.

30-Year Mortgage Rate Hits 37 Year Low, Borrowers Rush to Refinance

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 19, 2008

The 30-year mortgage rate dropped for the seventh consecutive week, hitting its lowest level since 1971. This has hit mortgage brokers and lenders with a surge of homeowners and refinance applications looking for a Christmas bonus.

Mortgage Rates at 37 Year Low

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 19, 2008

Mortgage rates have dropped to the lowest rates since 1971. The 30-year mortgage is now reported by Freddie Mac at 5.19 percent.

Bush Offers Holiday Gift for Suffering Americans

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | December 19, 2008

Santa has come early for unemployed workers and troubled homeowners. President Bush recently signed into law an extension of unemployment benefits and a moratorium on home foreclosures. With more jobs being lost every day, and Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in deep trouble, will this gift last longer than the holidays?

Fed President Lacker Sees Positive Trends in 2009

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | December 18, 2008

Virginia Federal Reserve Bank President Jeffrey Lacker has a rather positive outlook for 2009, which is actually shared by other economists. If Lacker is right about his forecast for the economy in 2009, it will be cause to celebrate.

Home Equity Lines of Credit Targeted by Criminals

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | December 18, 2008

A favorite target of criminals used to be subprime borrowers. As the market for subprime loans collapsed, mortgage fraud crooks set their sights on another type of home loan. They're now focused on the home equity line of credit (HELOC), and homeowners need to be especially vigilant.

Some Lucky Americans Escaping Mortgage Chaos

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | December 17, 2008

A recent report on the economy showed that there are more than 9,000 foreclosures per day, on average, across the USA. But in some regions, especially those where prices didn't experience dramatic escalations during the real estate bubble, the housing markets are relatively stable.

Trendy Business Move-Becoming a Bank

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 17, 2008

Financial companies are applying for bank holding company status to diversify and improve their access to cash.

Federal Reserve Slashes Rates. Will it Lower Mortgage Rates?

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 17, 2008

Will the Federal Reserve announcement to lower the Fed funds rate lower mortgage rates? Yes.

Federal Reserve and Bernanke Committed to do More

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | December 16, 2008

Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke continues to remind America that the Fed is dedicated to fixing the economy. But the problems are global, require cooperation from central banks worldwide, and are unprecedented in the history of the world.

Homeownership Getting More Affordable

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | December 16, 2008

Long gone are the days of the "bubble" in the real estate market. We're now beginning to see signs that we've reached the bottom, as falling real estate sales have created more affordable housing. Prices are more in line with median incomes around the country, providing a strong signal that the end of the slump may be in sight.

Fed Slashes Rate to 0.25-0%

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 16, 2008

Today the Federal Reserve slashed it's key rate to a floating rate between 0.25% and 0%.

Bush Cautious of Regulatory Intervention in Capitalist Economies

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 16, 2008

President Bush admits the need for economic reform, but emphasizes the importance of keeping capitalism alive and well.

Mortgage Rate Declines Lead to Increased Applications

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 15, 2008

Demand for purchase and refinance mortgages have risen from their historic lows on the strength of lower interest rates.

Mortgage Rates Flat

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 15, 2008

Mortgage rates remain flat today. Market anticipates Federal Reserve benchmark rate announcement tomorrow.

Mortgage Loan Rates and Housing Prices Make it Buyers Market

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 15, 2008

First time home buyers may be entering the market of a lifetime. Mortgage rates are already at a record low 5.5 percent, and the Treasury is determined to make that 4.5 percent. Housing prices are also at record lows and plentiful. If you are looking for your first home, now is the time to start getting serious.

Path to Economic Recovery: Made in China

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | December 15, 2008

The Chinese economic model could save America from its debt-ridden quagmire.

Budget Deficit needs to get Bigger to get Better

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 14, 2008

This year, government spending is set to annihilate previous U.S. budget deficit records. Even so, the government may be under pressure to spend more, not less.

Bottomless Pit? Freddie Mac Needs More Bailout Money

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | December 14, 2008

Freddie Mac and its counterpart, Fannie Mae, were originally created in the beginning of the last century to strengthen the nation's real estate economy. Now, taxpayers are being forced to return the favor with a massive bailout of these two institutions. The economy is worsening, and Freddie Mac needs quick cash.

Understanding Your Mortgage Loan Modification Options

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | December 13, 2008

The government's massive $750 billion bailout plan was supposed to include loan workout provisions. Those provisions are beginning to take shape, based on recent modified loan programs released by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and some private lenders. The big question remains: Will these efforts actually help homeowners?

Controversy Brews over FDIC Debt and Bank Guarantee Plans

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | December 13, 2008

Major banks, including Citigroup, Wells Fargo, JPMorgan Chase, and Bank of America, recently told the government that the FDIC program to back their bonds is not a strong enough guarantee. They want unconditional support; but the FDIC wants a more regulated and controlled bailout.

What can Obama Do to Save the Housing Market?

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 12, 2008

Barack Obama has some options when it comes to healing the fractured housing market.

Private Equity and Investors Resurrect Idea to Buy Troubled Mortgage Loans

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 12, 2008

Funny how ideas can come full circle. It seems some private equity and investors think US Treasury Secretary Paulson's first plan was a pretty good one--buy troubled mortgage assets of bank balance sheets. In fact, a few have offered to take that opportunity with the government's help.

Auto Bailout Fails, Mortgage Rates Lower

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 12, 2008

The auto bailout fell apart in the Senate yesterday, as Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) pulled the plug on the legislation.

Is Bair Barking up Wrong Housing Recovery Tree?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | December 12, 2008

While FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair continues to push for loan modifications to save homeowners and stabilize banks, the White House seems to be turning a deaf ear to her pleas and warnings. She's been pushing banks and politicians for radical action for an entire year, to no avail.

Mortgage Rates Down, But Mortgage Loan Applications Decline

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 11, 2008

The US government continues to be successful in driving down mortgage rates, with the 30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaging below 5.5 percent. However, surprisingly mortgage applications are moving in the wrong direction--down over 7 percent from last week.

30-Year Fixed Down, Time to Buy?

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 11, 2008

Director Lockhart, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac chief regulator, talks about moving mortgage rates down to 4 percent.

G20 Summit Offers Hope

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 11, 2008

Global leaders met to strategize on how to save the global economy from further economic damage.

False Alarm: No Credit Card Forgiveness from Uncle Sam

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | December 11, 2008

For people drowning in credit card debt, the hope that Uncle Sam's cavalry is coming appears to have been dashed. The Treasury Department nixed any type of a debt settlement program after a roundtable meeting of banks and consumers, leaving many debt-ridden consumers out of luck.

Credit Unions: The Homeowner's Friend

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 10, 2008

Credit unions that bypassed the mortgage meltdown are increasing their loan production as other lenders falter.

Bailing Out the Auto Industry

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | December 10, 2008

Where will it end? That's the question on everyone's mind as GM, Ford, and Chrysler-the big three of the U.S. auto industry-paid a visit to Washington, D.C. The companies want a piece of the government bailout, but no one is quite certain if such a move will help the ailing automakers.

Mortgage Rates Inching Down

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 10, 2008

Mortgage rates continue to improve. Slowly moving downward in anticipation that the US government will force them down to 4.5 percent.

Congress Awaits $350 Billion TARP Request from Bush Administration

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 10, 2008

The mortgage crisis is still in full swing, but will the Bush administration request the remaining $350 billion in TARP funds? If so, he may have a battle from both sides of the aisle. Democrats have specific earmarks in mind and the Republicans are still having remorse for passing TARP at all.

Retailers Bracing for a Very Unmerry Christmas

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | December 09, 2008

The recession has moved from the headlines to the check-out lines. Following a major drop in consumer confidence, retail sales have dropped precipitously. Forecasts indicate that the Christmas season won't change the trend.

Bank Regulators Reporting Mortgage Loan Modifications Still Defaulting

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 09, 2008

Bank regulators and congressional leaders are still at a loss on how to help troubled homeowners. A surprising report by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) revealed 51 percent of borrowers receiving modifications to their mortgage loans become delinquent or slip back into foreclosure within 6 months.

Layaway Plans Making a Comeback

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 09, 2008

Consumers are embracing once-outdated layaway plans to help them budget for holiday shopping.

Mortgage Rates Flat

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 09, 2008

Mortgage rates have hit a temporary stability for the last few days.

Will Auto Deal Move Mortgage Rates?

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 08, 2008

Mortgage rates look to open flat. However, good news on the auto industry front may move the stock market up and mortgage bonds down.

Will Your Credit Card Limits be Cut Back?

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | December 08, 2008

Consumers should be on the lookout for notices from credit card companies. They may look like junk mail, but the information inside may be anything but-it could describe the new terms of your card. With consumer credit already stretched to the max, many Americans may find that their plastic limits are shrinking, even as interest rates rise.

Mortgage Loan Delinquency Rates Rise 54 Percent from Previous Year

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 08, 2008

It would be stating the obvious to say we are in a mortgage crisis, but the daily financial news makes it hard not to regularly restate the facts. Despite the variety of government bailout programs and government refinance and assistance programs the economy and the housing market continues to stall. The net effect is that the mortgage market and homeowners continue to move into uncharted and desperate waters.

Upside-Down on Your Mortgage? There may be help!

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | December 08, 2008

If you owe more on your home than it's worth-in other words, if you have negative equity or are "upside down" in your mortgage-there may still be hope for solving your problem. The options require sacrifice, but could potentially help you avoid greater financial woes.

Asking your Parents for Down Payment Help

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 07, 2008

Lenders are raising down payment requirements, setting the stage for more parent-funded solutions.

Credit Card Companies Analyzing You, Again

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | December 07, 2008

The credit crunch is causing some knee-jerk reactions by credit card companies. Shaken by the fallout from the subprime mortgage crisis, they're reevaluating consumer credit. Then, they're shrinking card limits and charging higher interest rates.

Reverse Mortgages are a Retirement Savior

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | December 06, 2008

Reverse mortgages allow people who are age 62 and older to borrow against their home equity, and then get paid in regular installments by the mortgage company. Now that higher limits have been authorized for reverse mortgages, this good retirement resource just got a whole lot better.

Lessons for First Time Home Buyers

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | December 06, 2008

Buying a new home is a complicated procedure. It takes patience, planning, and great timing. For a first time homebuyer, the process can be fraught with financial landmines.

Mortgage Rates End Week Down

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 05, 2008

Mortgage rates a positioned to end the week down again.

Pushing Down Mortgage Rates Unlikely to Bring New Home Buyers

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 05, 2008

Housing prices continue to plummet largely because new home buyers are unwilling to buy these bargains. Faced with fears of continued housing depreciation, mounting job losses, and declining economic conditions--they are staying on the sidelines and saving their cash. However, the US Treasury thinks pushing mortgage rates down to 4.5 percent is the answer.

Buying a House on Layaway

By:: Anders Bylund - MortgageLoan.com | December 05, 2008

Homebuilders want to help you save money-so you can buy a house.

Consumers Maxing Out their Home Equity

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 05, 2008

It's a sign of the times: Economic data indicates that homeowners may be padding their savings accounts with money borrowed from their home equity lines of credit (HELOC).

Hope for Homeowners Unattractive to Many

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 04, 2008

The government's solution to the foreclosure crisis isn't drawing many takers, and new estimates say the program will fall far short of initial projections.

Treasury May Push Rates Down to 4.5%

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 04, 2008

US Treasury is currently considering a plan to push new home mortgage rates down to 4.5 percent.

Foreclosure Moratoriums may do More Harm than Good

By:: Tom Kerr - MortgageLoan.com | December 04, 2008

One of the most popular foreclosure prevention programs is foreclosure moratorium. This process holds up the foreclosure process to give time to homeowners to get back on their feet. But some critics say that these intentional delays may create even more problems than they actually solve.

Mortgage Applications and Mortgage Refinance Surge on Mortgage Rate Declines

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 04, 2008

Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA) released their weekly report of mortgage applications revealing an enormous surge, 112 percent. Not a surprising reaction to a new Federal Reserve initiative that triggered mortgage rates to decline to a 3 year low on 30-year fixed-rate mortgages.

Rate Volatile, but Flat

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 03, 2008

Lots of volatility today, reflecting the equity market volatility.

Budget Deficit may Hinder Obama's Economic Plan

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 03, 2008

Barack Obama earned the office of the presidency on a campaign that promised sweeping change. But are his lofty goals unrealistic, given the size of the federal deficit that he'll inherit?

Obama Creating a Better TARP

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 03, 2008

In early-October, lawmakers passed an historic $700 billion financial bailout bill in a mad dash to avert a global financial meltdown. But now, the Secretary of the Treasury has said that he's leaving the mess in Obama's hands.

Hope Now Gaining in Foreclosure Prevention as Loan Modifications Increase

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 03, 2008

The Hope Now initiative, a private mortgage lender and servicer alliance, is increasing its effectiveness in preventing foreclosures. In October, Hope Now set a new record in foreclosure prevention modifying 225,000 mortgages. That total exceeds September's loan modifications by 13,000.

Great Car Deals for Stellar Buyers

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | December 02, 2008

When Dickens wrote the line, "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times," he was speaking of France prior to its revolution of 1789. The statement also applies to today's auto market, and how the car purchasing process differs based on your credit score.

Mortgage Rates Stuck Again

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 02, 2008

Although mortgage rates descended to a new low in the past week, they are now stuck at these new levels.

Law Firms and Banks Collaborating to Streamline Loan Modifications

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 02, 2008

Increasingly loan modifications are becoming the preferred mechanism to help defaulting homeowners and troubled bank mortgage asset portfolios. All of the major banks, Bank of America, JP Morgan Chase, and Citigroup have announced streamlined loan modification programs.

US Retailers Hope for a Big Cyber Monday

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 01, 2008

Retailers got a welcome Holiday gift on Black Friday, with retail sales actually rising 2 percent over last year. Despite the doom and gloom of economic prognosticators consumers lined the sidewalks in the wee-hours of the morning for "door-buster" deals.

Homeowners in Denial about Home Values

By:: Catherine Brock - MortgageLoan.com | December 01, 2008

Here's a reality check: your home is probably worth less than you think. A quarterly survey reveals that many homeowners are overly optimistic about the value of their property.

Bad Economy Removes "Ho-Ho-Ho" from Christmas Parties

By:: Greg Mischio - MortgageLoan.com | December 01, 2008

As the holiday season rolls around, few companies seem to be in a festive mood. The bad economy has businesses tightening their purse strings, trimming off superfluous items like traditional holiday parties. Don't let the bad economy be a party-pooper. There are ways to get in the spirit without going into debt.

Strong Black Friday May Lift Mortgage Rates

By:: Bill Rice - MortgageLoan.com | December 01, 2008

Off a stronger than expected Black Friday and weekend of holiday weekend retail sales mortgage rates may lift.